Grilled Fontina, Mushroom, and Sage Sandwiches

The grilled cheese sandwich grows up in our sophisticated version that starts with nutty, smooth-melting fontina cheese and adds a layer of sage-accented sautéed mushrooms.
Slideshow: Hot Melted Sandwiches

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter, 2 melted

1/2 pound mushrooms, cut into thin slices

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper

4 teaspoons chopped fresh sage, or 1 1/4 teaspoons dried sage

8 slices from a large round loaf of country-style bread, or other bread

1/2 pound fontina, grated (about 2 cups)

How to Make It

Step 1

In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the butter over moderate heat. Add the mushrooms, salt, pepper, and dried sage, if using, and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the fresh sage, if using. Put the mushrooms in a bowl and wipe out the pan.

Step 2

Using a pastry brush, coat one side of 4 slices of the bread with half of the melted butter. Put them, buttered-side down, on a work surface. Top the bread with the cheese and then the mushrooms. Cover with the remaining 4 slices of bread; brush the tops with the remaining melted butter.

Step 3

Heat the frying pan over moderately low heat. Add the sandwiches and cook, turning once, until golden, about 2 minutes per side.

Suggested Pairing

A crisp, dry, Italian white—such as Soave, Frascati, or Pinot Grigio—will refresh your mouth after every bite of this flavorful sandwich.